The North Ogden Senior Center celebrated its 10-year anniversary on March 20, 2014. The center, located at 485 East 2550 North, held an open house for the public with a dinner available afterwards. During the open house, Marva Chambers of North Ogden played the piano, and Dennis Barker of North Ogden played the violin with Debbie Chadwick accompanying him on the piano. Everyone was welcome to socialize with each other, as well as going around to all the different rooms and seeing what sort of activities are available to the seniors who go to the Center regularly. Different activities include: making ceramics and woodcarving, watercolor painting, playing billiards, taking computer classes, playing card games, doing yoga, line and tap dancing, and a lapidary.
Zella Richards, who’s been the director of the center for 8 years, says the Center was specifically built with seniors in mind because it has more room than the old one, as well as only being one floor to make it easier for seniors to move around. Zella started as a volunteer at the center, but took over for Ramona Barker once she left the position and has enjoyed her time there so far. She said how she loves to “get to know the seniors and hear about their lives. They have a lot of history and have accomplished so many different things. I’ve learned a lot from them.” She also emphasized the importance of all the volunteers who help keep the Center running.
Kenneth Raught, who’s been teaching watercolor painting for a year and a half at the Center, says he loves seeing the friendships that are made there. He also talked about how the classes are perfect for anyone, whether they have experience or are just starting.
Seeing all of the different arts and crafts that are made by the seniors was amazing. There were pictures of animals from Africa, pictures of flowers, Nativity figurines, and jewelry among other things. One man named Casey had some of his works on display, including a necklace and different engraved gemstones. He told me how he didn’t start making these items until he was 70, but has stuck with it and loves making new items. His intricate artwork and detail has led to the nickname of “The Japanese Navajo.”
Following the open house, there was a dinner served that included a salad, chicken, green beans, funeral potatoes, and cheesecake. Mayor Brent Taylor even stopped by to help serve the seniors. After dinner, entertainment was provided by the Potts Sisters who performed a comedy routine, and the musical group Sun, Shade, & Rain who performed different songs by the Beach Boys, Johnny Cash, Neal Diamond, Elvis, and others. Everyone loved it and had a really good time there. It was a lot of fun to be able to get a glimpse into the hard work and effort that the volunteers put into making the Center a great place for seniors to enjoy.
